A New Approach to New Years Resolutions

As December comes to an end, you may be thinking of making some new year’s resolutions, but this year let’s challenge you to make more meaningful ones. The majority of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. In the first month of the year, most of us abandon our aspirations. Why is this the case? As a result of this statistic, you might consider avoiding resolutions for the new year to save yourself time. However, before you abandon your usual approach entirely, you may want to reevaluate it. In order to achieve more meaningful resolutions, follow these simple steps. 

Create or find a comfortable environment

You must be able to explore the depths of your personality in order to create meaningful aspirations for the year ahead. As a result of the busyness of our world, it is easy to avoid reflection and lose sight of reality. In spite of this, if you do not take the time to understand what is meaningful to you, you will be unable to create meaningful resolutions. Your environment should reflect who you are as an individual. What places are of comfort to you? Avoid distractions as much as possible. Collect materials that will allow you to relax and explore. There are many ways to create a relaxing environment, including candles, aromatherapy, music, colored pens, blankets, and warm beverages.

Set refection times

Do not try to accomplish all your reflection in a single sitting. An in-depth reflection cannot be accomplished in one condensed session. It may seem daunting at first. As you move through the process, you may feel overwhelmed, and this feeling can cause you to feel dreadful about your goals for the upcoming year. We recommend exploring this process over a number of sessions. During the resolution process, time should be set aside for reflection and analysis. As a foundation for establishing your goals for the new year, it is essential to plan time to revisit them in the days ahead.

Equip yourself with the tools you need

Consider your future goals after you have constructed a more meaningful foundation, and stay connected to that foundation as you move into the new year. We recommend that you begin this process in one setting. Ideally, your intentions can be refined over time, but what promptly comes to mind is often what is most meaningful to you. Choose a medium that is comfortable for you. For example, you may choose to journal. Many people find it helpful to utilize visual aids, such as a vision board. Using methods such as voice recording and mind mapping can help you to broaden your perspective.

Reflect

Intentionality, as opposed to specific goal setting, allows for the reality that changes are inevitable. Though it is possible that what you wish for today will remain the same months from now, most of the time, things change. One reason for this is that, as you learn and grow, your goals may evolve, so a resolution you made in January may not be relevant in August. Whenever you refuse to let go of that wish, you may suffer the consequences of being disconnected from your true self. When you change beyond yourself, the world around you changes as well. When you utilize intentionality, you are able to reassess and re-calibrate your approach based on context.

Check-in Monthly

We should not treat our New Year’s resolutions as a “set it and forget it” process. You are likely to form your best intentions when you take the time to reflect, reassess, and refine. During the first few months of the new year, it is imperative to establish a habit of checking in on your resolutions. Establish a rate that suits your lifestyle, but consider doing so at least monthly. You may have failed to keep your New Year’s resolutions in the past for a variety of reasons. To help you live a more meaningful life, we have discussed how to foster intentional resolutions. 

If you are looking for someone to talk to at Mountain Vista Psychology, we are here for you. Feel free to reach out via email at info@mountainvistapsychology.com or call us at 720-583-9332.